This is a dark story and I knew when I started writing it the chapters would have many dark topics but thats why writing fluff like this makes me so happy. Enjoy!

Amelia POV

"Amelia, wake up." I hear Arizona's voice from beside me. I roll over, surprised to see her out of bed and dressed. "I'm leaving for work, you sure you're okay with Sof today?" She asks and I yawn, sitting myself up and leaning against the headboard.

"Yeah, we will be fine. Is she still in bed?"

"Yeah, she probably won't sleep for much longer so I thought I would wake you. Also now you're awake I can give you a proper kiss goodbye." She tells me as she walks around to my side of the bed. She leans down towards me slowly but I place my hand on the back of her of her head, pulling her closer to increase the pace. The kiss is slow and light but oh so loving.

"This is the best reason to be woken up. I love you, have a good day at work." I tell her, still bleary eyed from my recent awakening.

"See you later."

After thirty minutes or so I am up, wearing pyjamas and sat on the couch with the TV on quietly. I can hear movement coming from Sofia's room so I expect she will be up soon. This is the first time I have been left alone with her for a long period of time and I find myself unsure of what I should be doing. I have been left to babysit Derek's kids many times and I know exactly what I'm doing but Sof is a completely different kid. I'm am not sure why it feels so different and I am truly fine looking after her, it's just a new situation.

When Sofia doesn't come out of her room I find myself walking in her direction to check everything is okay. I can hear rummaging from behind her closed door so I knock before entering.

"You okay in there Sof?" I say as I open the door. The young girl looks distraught, I can tell she has been crying and her bottom lip is quivering. "Sofia honey, what's the matter?" I ask her softly, making my way over to the bed.

"I can't find it."

"Can't find what baby?" I ask but her tears begin to flow again. I hold my arms out, not moving from her bed but offering a comforting hug. She makes her way towards me, accepting the physical comfort I was offering. I hold the young girl against me, stroking her hair away from her face and rocking our bodies slightly. She gradually begins to calm down so I try again to talk to her.

"So what can't you find huh? Maybe I could help you look."

"It's a stuffed bear from my Papa. Mama said she packed it but I can't find it."

"Okay, what does it look like?" Sofia goes on to describe the bear and I listen carefully to everything she says.

"And did you unpack it yesterday?" I question, hoping that she did so we know it would be in the apartment but she shakes her head.

"I can't remember."

"Okay, why don't we ask your Mama, do you know her phone number?" Sofia goes into her bag and brings out a small cell phone, telling me its her emergency phone. I open the contacts and decide I would call from my own phone, not wanting to rack up a bill on the young girls. I type Callie's number and click dial.

A short conversation later I pass the phone to Sofia to talk to her mother while I check the front pocket of the suitcase where Callie had advised me to look.

"Hey Sof, is this it?" I ask passing the toy and a huge smile appears on her face.

"Yes! Thank you Melia!"

"No worries. I'm thinking french toast for breakfast, how does that sound?"

"Amazing. Thank you!"

"Okay, I'll leave you to talk to your Mama, come through when you're ready."

I leave Sofia's room and my immediate thought was that I should update Arizona. I know that the problem is solved now but Sofia was really upset. I realise I cannot message my girlfriend because Sof is using my phone so I make a mental note to message her and begin to prepare food. I put on some music quietly using the radio and heat up the pan, humming along to the tunes. Sofia walks through to the kitchen as I am beginning to whisk some eggs.

"Hey kiddo, you feeling better now?" I ask her, placing the dish on the surface.

"Yeah. I was just worried I had left it in New York. I'm okay now. Can I help with food?"

"Sure, do you want to dunk the bread?"

It doesn't take me long to realise that Sofia has no idea what she is doing. I stop to help her, demonstrating what to do and then allowing her to continue, making sure to give clear, precise instructions. It's a slow process but she seems to be enjoying herself.

"Okay Sof, I'm almost done. Do you want to set the table?" I ask her and she ducks out from under my arm, running to get place mats and cutlery. I follow her to the table, making sure to turn the stove off.

"Do you want water too Melia?" Sofia asks me, getting two cups out of the dishwasher.

"That sounds good, thank you."

We sit down together at the table to eat our food. We plan a trip to the movies to see the new Lion King movie with Zola later but we still have a few hours to spare to chill out beforehand. I sort out the dishes in the kitchen before moving to have a shower, letting Sofia know where I am going first.

I don't take long in the shower, not wanting to leave Sofia alone. I understand that she is old enough to be left to play in the apartment but this whole situation is new to me, suddenly being a responsible adult in this child's life. Also the idea that Arizona knows all my deepest issues and still trusts me with her daughter means so much to me, and now I have to prove to her that she was right to trust me. I dry myself and get dressed, keeping the towel over my shoulders while my hair dries.

When I reenter the living room Sofia has the TV turned on but is focusing on drawing something. I move to sit near her, taking a pencil and a sheet of paper so I can join her with her drawing.

"Amelia, did you know my Dad?" She asks, turning her attention to me from her drawing.

"I did. I actually knew him before your moms." I tell her smiling.

"My Mama won't talk about him, it makes her too sad." She continues, looking unsure of where she is going with the topic.

"I understand that. Sometimes when someone we love dies it makes it really difficult to talk about them."

"Why?" She asks me curiously.

"Because it reminds us of how much we miss them." I reply honestly. "Why are you asking?"

"I don't remember him. We have pictures and sometimes people say his name but I don't remember what he was like." Her face shows a sad smile, trying to recall who should have been one of the most important figures in her life.

"He was mischievous, especially when he was younger. He had lots of friends and always tried really hard with everything. Sometimes he was a bit silly because he wanted to have fun all the time. He really wanted to help people have better lives, that's why he was a doctor."

"Can I be a doctor to help people too?" Sofia asks in the most enthusiastic little voice.

"If you want to, but you have a long time to figure that out." I tell her, happy to see she has picked up her pencil and is continuing to draw.

"Wow Melia, thats me!" Sofia says looking over at my quick sketch. "Mom didn't tell me you were good at drawing."

"It is you. I haven't drawn pictures like this in a long time."

"Can you draw Mom and you behind me? Then I can color it in?" Sofia asked, her eyes big and hopeful. I'm reluctant but her little face is so cute I can't say no.

It was just a quick sketch so it doesn't take long to add Arizona into the side. I have studied her face many times so it basically flows from memory. Drawing myself however was more difficult. I try to avoid looking at myself in mirrors and I don't have that many current photographs of myself because I always feel self conscious when I look at them. I think back quickly and remember Sofia's last birthday, Arizona and I had a photo with the kids. I get it up on my phone and cringe, but quickly sketch my facial features whilst trying to ignore the fact that it's myself. When I am finished I pass the paper to Sofia who quickly passes it back saying I need to write my name and the date on the back. I follow the girls instructions before giving her the paper for her to color.

While the girl is coloring I take a moment to message Meredith, double checking I am still okay to take Zola this afternoon. I also message Arizona, letting her know about Sofia's upset this morning and calling Callie. I made sure to let her know all is fine now and we are having a nice quiet morning.

Meredith replied to my message informing me that all is okay to take Zola but she is currently at hospital daycare as she is working.

"Hey Sof, we need to pick Zola up from the hospital in a bit so if we leave a little early we can see if your Mom is busy, maybe say hi."

"Really?" This kid is so enthusiastic about everything.

"Sure, but only if she isn't busy. We don't want to interrupt her while she is doing something important." I tell the girl on a serious note.

"Yeah I understand. That's okay."

We make our way through the hospital, stopping by the paediatric ward to check if Arizona is around but come up empty. After checking the cafeteria and coming up empty again we finally find my girlfriend in the attendings lounge.

"Mom! Amelia said we could say hi when we pick Zola up from daycare." Sofia says, running into her mother's arms. Arizona wraps her arms around her daughter, looking up and smiling at me.

"My two favourite people are always welcome to come say hello. How was your morning?" Arizona asks her daughter, turning to look at her rather than myself.

"Melia told me about my dad."

This statement catches Arizona by surprise and she moves Sofia round to sit on the couch next to her.

"She did?" Arizona questions, looking back and forth between us.

"Yeah, she was asking questions, I hope that's okay." I tell Arizona honestly. I suddenly feel guilty for my behaviour, like I had done something wrong.

"That's okay, but you know you can ask me if you have questions as well sweetheart, don't you?" Arizona asks Sofia and I feel myself relax, now understanding that Arizona's hesitance was towards the sensitive topic and her own uninvolvement rather than my words.

"Mama gets upset when I talk about him, I didn't want you to get upset too." The young girl replies solemnly. I look at Arizona and then the door, offering to leave while they have this conversation but the blonde shakes her head, instead patting the chair beside her offering me to sit with them.

"Mama was very close with your dad but it's okay if you want to talk about him, or ask questions. You can always talk to me." She explains to her daughter, rubbing circles on the young girls back.

"I'm sorry Mom."

"Don't be. Did Amelia answer your questions?"

"Yeah, and she told me other things too, like what did was like when he was little." Sofia says, her small smile gradually making its way back to her face.

"I'm glad. If you ever have more questions you can ask baby, me or Amelia."

"Even if it's sad?" Sofia asks looking at me this time, rather than her mother.

"Especially when it's sad. You can't deal with all the sad feelings on your own." I tell her and Arizona nods along with me.

"Exactly baby. Now, you two give me a big hug because I need to get back to work and I believe you have fun plans."

Arizona gives Sofia a hug then pulls me in for a hug, kissing my cheek then placing her head on my shoulder.

"Thank you for talking to her about this." She whispers in my ear and I nod in response, letting her know it's okay.

"Okay Sof, say bye to your Mom, we need to go get Zola." I say walking to leave the room.

"Bye Mom, I love you."

"I love you too baby."

I take Sofia's hand as we walk towards daycare to pick up Zola. When we arrive Zola runs towards us, throwing her arms around her friend.

"Sofia! Is it true that you're back to stay? Does that mean you'll be coming to my school again?" Zola asks her friend excitedly so I allow them to talk, turning to sign my niece out before we leave.

"Okay Kiddos, lets go to the movies." I tell them, taking their hands either side of me.

"Can we get popcorn Aunty Melia?" Zola asks me.

"Of course, we can't go to the movies without popcorn! You two just have to decide what flavour to get."

When we get to the movie theatre the girls are beyond excited. I could practically feel the car bouncing on the way here. We get out of the car and I make sure they stay by my side due to it being Saturday in an overpopulated city. I pay for the tickets and we make our way inside, the girls have decided they want sweet salty popcorn.

"Can we get a slush too Aunty Amelia?" Zola begs and logically I know it's a bad idea but it doesn't take much convincing for me to cave in and give them the sugar. I made a deal with both girls that if I allowed them to have the slushy they would both go to bed without arguments when they're told tonight, and I hope it works. I learned the hard way that bed time with kids on a sugar high does not go well.

Both Zola and Sofia immediately agree to my offer so I pay for them both to get their drinks, making sure only to get the small size. We make our way to the screen and sit down, waiting for the movie to begin.

Arizona POV

When I arrive home I can hear boisterous activity before I even open the door. I take a moment to listen to the topic of conversation, opening the door slowly. Amelia is arguing with the two nine year olds about the lion king, I'm presuming that's what they saw at the movies this afternoon.

"Mommmmm." Sofia squeals running towards me, grabbing my hand "Amelia took us to see lion king and now she is mad about the characters." She says, but with a big smile that totally contradicts what she was saying.

"Hey, all I said was that they ruined Scar, who by the way, is the all time best Disney Villain." Amelia tells me standing up from the couch and I realise what my daughter was referring to.

"Babe, it's just a movie." I tell my girlfriend and her eyes widen.

"Arizona Robbins… The Lion King is not just a movie, it's a cinematic masterpiece. At least the original was, in this new version they ruined my favourite character." Amelia tells me in a hilariously argumentative tone.

"And what was the awful thing they did to ruin your favourite character?" I say, unsure of whether this question will help or harm the situation.

"They removed the majority of 'Be Prepared' and his voice was just wrong! Scar is supposed to be sassy in a violent way but instead he was pure angry." Amelia vents, trying so hard to get her point across. "I always felt sorry for Scar anyway." She continues, to the shock of both young girls.

"You can't feel sorry for him Melia, he's the bad guy!" Sofia tells Amelia who rolls her eyes at the statement

"Before he got the scar his name was Taka which translates to garbage by the way. Mufasa means king and Taka means garbage. His parents never gave him a chance!"

"Okay babe, I think that's enough Lion King talk for now, you are getting wayyy to frustrated." I tell Amelia, reaching for her hand and leading her into the kitchen.

I lean in to kiss my girlfriend who smiles at contact, moving to kiss me back.

"I don't know why but you getting frustrated and nerdy is extremely sexy." I tell her, pulling away from her but keeping my hand at the base of her back. "So, other than the lion king, how was your day?" I continue.

"It was okay, I mean I messaged you this morning about Sofia getting upset, she lost one of her toys that Mark had given her. I ended up calling Callie to make sure it was packed and she told us it was in the front pocket of the suitcase. I think that's what got her thinking about Mark. Are you sure you're okay with me having that conversation with her?" Amelia asks me, looking concerned.

"I was a little frustrated that she didn't talk to me about it but I understand why she didn't. Y'know I hadn't even realised you knew Mark that well." I tell Amelia honestly. Until I told her about the plane crash she had never even mentioned his name.

"I mean, for as long as I can remember he spent most of his time at my house growing up. He didn't have a good relationship with his parents and Derek was his best friend so he was like another brother to me." Amelia gives me a sad smile.

"I'm sorry." I tell her. Unsure of whether I'm apologising for her loss, or bringing it up or that she had to be the one to talk to Sofia.

"Don't be. Seeing Sofia run around, I see him in her. The way she smiles when she is doing something mischievous, that's Mark's smile."

"I know. I used to hate that smile - on Mark, not Sofia but it grew on me. I guess Mark did too. I hated that he got Callie pregnant but he was an awesome Dad."

"Mark had a habit of sleeping with the wrong people, I figured that out when I caught him screwing Addison." Amelia tells me and I feel myself cringe at the thought.

"This is so weird, its like everyone is connected through Sex. I wouldn't change it though, it gave me Sofia."

"Yeah, she's a pretty awesome kid."

"I'm sorry you had to call Callie, I can't imagine that was the most comfortable situation." I tell Amelia, grateful that she had made the decision but apologetic of the awkward situation.

"Don't worry about it. Sofia comes first and it's not like I had never met Callie. We weren't close but we have spoken a few times. She was actually really nice about the whole situation." Amelia explains and I feel a little less guilty about the event.

"You're amazing, thank you for being here." I wrap my arms around my girlfriend, giving her the biggest hug, thankful for her efforts.

Once we have eaten we give Zola and Sofia a one hour notice, telling them they have an hour to play together before we take Zola home. We leave the girls in the living room and walk through to our bedroom for some well deserved snuggle time.

"I love spending time with the kids but I am exhausted." Amelia tells me as she rests her head on my chest.

"That'll happen when you give them too much sugar. It's okay though, I can sort them tonight if you just want to sleep." I tell my girlfriend, wrapping my arms around her, something I have been waiting all day to do.

"Nah, I'll come too. Work stole you all day today, I've got to make the most of the evenings." She tells me and I smile. I love how accepting she is and has been through this full Sofia coming home situation. For many people the introduction of a child would be too much but Amelia has taken it all in her stride.

"Melia we finished colouring your picture!" Sofia announces, running into the bedroom.

"What picture would this be?" I question, feeling suddenly left out of the conversation.

"Melia drew a picture and let me color it in. She draws really good!"

"Well then, if it's as good as you say I'll have to come have a look." I tell my daughter, shuffling out from under my girlfriend. Amelia groans at the loss of contact but eventually gets up on her feet to follow Sofia and myself through to the couch.

When I see the drawing my daughter had been referring to I feel suddenly emotional. The details were perfect on the underlying sketch, all of the features were simple, yet accurate.

"Wow Sof, you got all the colors perfect." Amelia complements and I feel my heart swell. I trace my fingers over the image, overwhelmed by the love I feel for its creator.

"Amelia, this drawing is amazing." I tell my girlfriend, reaching out to hold her hand.

"Sofia did the hard work, look at the colors she chose, and she stayed in all the lines." Amelia tells me and I can see that she is uncomfortable with the compliments.

"Can I have this?" I question, looking at Amelia and then to Sofia for permission.

"Yeah Mom, you could put it with the others in your office." Sofia replies, clearly not understanding the significance of the drawing.

"Thank you baby. Okay shoes on, it's time to take Zozo home." I tell everybody, changing the topic in hopes of keeping my tears at bay.

We make quick work of dropping Zola off at home. Amelia makes sure to tell Meredith and remind Zola of the girls promise earlier, ensuring she would go to bed on time despite the sugary drink. She gives Zola a cuddle goodnight and we are on our way. The car ride home is pretty quiet. Sofia is half asleep in the back and Amelia is in her own little world in the passenger seat.

Once we are back inside I instruct Sofia to brush her teeth and get ready for bed while I tidy up the mess that had been left around the room. Upon arriving home Amelia had headed straight to our bedroom which concerns me but I allow her some time and space.

With the living room now sorted, and the dishes loaded into the dishwasher I make my way through to my daughters room. She is sitting up in bed with a book, not an uncommon way to find her. Sofia loves reading on an evening, ever since she started school it became a thing. I remember one point that I had to put time limits on her reading because otherwise she would still be up at 4am.

"Is Amelia okay Mom? She looked sad in the car." Sofia asks me, placing her book on the bed.

"I know, I'm going to go talk to her after I've said goodnight to you. She will be okay though, she told me she enjoyed spending today with you."

"I liked it too." She tells me with a little smile.

"I'm glad. Good night sweetie, don't stay up reading for too long." I tell her before giving her a kiss on the forehead and leaving the room.

Thanks for reading!!